Marta Bids Farewell to International Soccer After Historic Career

PARIS (AP) — Brazilian soccer legend Marta officially announced her retirement from international play on Saturday, concluding a remarkable career that spanned 185 appearances, including six World Cups and six Olympic Games. Despite her illustrious journey, the coveted Olympic gold medal eluded her, culminating in a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to the United States in the Olympic final, where she once again settled for silver. Marta's international accolades include three Olympic silver medals and a runner-up finish at the 2007 World Cup. The emotional farewell was marked by poignant moments, particularly after a tumultuous tournament for Marta, who faced a red card against Spain in the group stage. As she embraced Brazil's coach Arthur Elias on the field following the final, tears of both anguish and pride were evident. Marta expressed her desire to pass the torch to the next generation, acknowledging the promising future of Brazilian soccer after their strong performance in France. While Marta's influence on the team has been monumental, her absence from the starting lineup against the U.S. highlighted a shift in the squad's dynamics. Young talents like Gabi Portilho, Adriana, and Ludmila showcased Brazil's attacking prowess, demonstrating the depth of the team. In a moment of anticipation, Marta was brought on in the 61st minute, but it was Adriana who nearly equalized with a header saved in stoppage time, underscoring the team's resilience and determination to honor their iconic leader.